Celebrating 50 years of extraordinary theatre at the Royal Exchange

Suspended inside a former trading hall in the heart of Manchester, the Royal Exchange Theatre is iconic in‑the‑round stage brings artists and audiences face‑to‑face. For five decades, this bold, democratic space has been home to unforgettable stories, fearless performances and generations of creative talent.

Now, as the Royal Exchange approaches its 50th anniversary, Artistic Director Selina Cartmell launches a brand‑new vision, one that honours the theatre’s remarkable past while boldly shaping its future.

Explore the ambitious productions that offer you a seat in the centre of the experience:

Classics reimagined
New stories heading to the stage
Award-winning Musicals

Classics reimagined

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Shakespeare’s King Lear is re‑envisioned by Matthew Dunster, with David Threlfall returning to Manchester to take on one of the greatest roles ever written.

There’s also a chance to fall in love with A Little Light Music, Stephen Sondheim’s soaring, romantic musical, a life‑affirming, festive production that will light up the Royal Exchange Theatre through winter.

King Lear

David Threlfall returns to the Theatre after 27 years to play Lear 'You see how full of changes…

New stories heading to the stage

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At the heart of this season is a commitment to new writing, stories that speak from Manchester to the world.

Even These Things, a powerful new play by Rory Mullarkey, premieres at the Royal Exchange Theatre thirty years after the IRA bomb changed the city forever. Spanning centuries and continents, it explores how cities rebuild, how people remember, and how hope survives.

Looking ahead, the Bruntwood Prize‑winning Shooters by debut writer Tolu Okanlawon will receive its world premiere, placing questions of representation, power and storytelling centre stage.

Award-winning Musicals

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This anniversary season also embraces musical storytelling in all its forms.

The Tony Award‑winning Fun Home arrives for its Northern premiere, a deeply personal, joyous and heartbreaking musical about family, memory and self‑discovery, directed by former Artistic Director Sarah Frankcom.

Fun Home

The regional premiere of an exhilarating, heartbreaking and Tony Award-winning musical about coming…

Inside the Royal Exchange Theatre with theatre space in the centre of the room and chairs and tavles set up outside

What's on at Royal Exchange Theatre

Enjoy creative brilliance at the Royal Exchange Theatre, an iconic gem nestled in the heart of Manchester. Housed within a stunning former exchange building, this unique theatre offers a dynamic space where classic and contemporary collide. The Royal Exchange is renowned for its in-the-round…

📍 Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester
🎟️ Tickets from £12

For full listings, dates and booking information, visit royalexchange.co.uk.